Epic Games v. Apple case just dropped another bombshell about Microsoft

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Microsoft logo (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • A confidential document from the Epic Games v. Apple case claims that Epic is trying to get Microsoft games onto its store.
  • Epic claims that Microsoft requires indie devs to agree to games being on Xbox Game Streaming to get published on the Xbox platform.
  • The document also states that Xbox chief Phil Spencer meets with Valve's Gabe Newell occasionally.

In addition to trying to convince, and pay, Sony to bring its games over to the Epic Game Store, Epic Games has attempted to get Microsoft to bring games to the store, according to the document. "Their PC Game Pass leader is against what we're doing," reads the document, which adds that Microsoft is "effectively bidding against us for content."

The document alleges that Xbox chief Phil Spencer "is meeting with Gabe [Newell] at Valve occasionally." That text appears in the same section of the document that discusses Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass efforts. There are rumors that Valve is trying to get Xbox Game Pass onto Steam, which could be related (via GameRant).

Microsoft Indie Devs

Source: The Verge (Image credit: Source: The Verge)

The document claims that Microsoft requires indie devs to agree to Xbox Game Streaming in order to have a game published on Xbox. "Microsoft is using harsh language around the requirement," says Epic, which adds that it's "sign or be removed from Xbox."

Windows Central has reached out to Microsoft for comment. We'll update this post if Microsoft responds.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.